Prosecutors have ordered a reinvestigation into a high-profile child poisoning case after concluding there is clear evidence that a housemaid mixed disinfectant into a toddler's milk bottle with the intent to kill.
The move is aimed at upgrading the charge to premeditated attempted murder -- an offence punishable by death under the law.
Chairat Pawakanont, deputy spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, said prosecutors reviewing the case found evidence that Usanee Phalang-usaha poured diluted multipurpose disinfectant from a spray bottle into a baby's milk. Investigators initially charged her with assault causing physical or mental harm with premeditation and adulterating consumer goods in a manner likely to endanger health under Sections 296 and 236 of the Criminal Code.
These alleged offences carry penalties of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht. However, prosecutors determined the alleged act was far more serious after reviewing toxicology findings indicating the disinfectant contained potentially life-threatening chemicals.
Authorities now believe the case may constitute attempted premeditated murder under Sections 289(4) and 80 of the Criminal Code, or attempted murder where the intended result failed due to limitations in the means used under Section 81.
The case has been returned to investigators at Bang Phong Phang Police Station to formally notify the suspect of the upgraded allegations before it is forwarded to prosecutors with jurisdiction over serious criminal offences.
